Phil

Phil by Alan Shipnuck is an unflinching, behind-the-scenes look at one of golf's most enigmatic and celebrated figures, Phil Mickelson. Spanning over three decades, this biography delves deep into Mickelson's spectacular career, from his early days as a prodigy to his historic triumph at the 2021 PGA Championship, where he defied age by becoming the oldest major winner just shy of his 51st birthday. Shipnuck meticulously chronicles Mickelson's life, offering readers an intimate and candid portrait of a man whose brilliance on the green is rivalled only by his capacity for controversy off it.

In this raw and unauthorised biography, Shipnuck captures a singular life defined by thrilling victories, crushing defeats, and countless controversies. Mickelson is a multi-faceted character, and all his warring impulses are on display in these pages: he is a smart-ass who built an empire on being the consummate professional; a loving husband dogged by salacious rumours; a high-stakes gambler who knows the house always wins but can’t tear himself away.

Shipnuck’s narrative peels back the layers of Mickelson's personality, revealing the dichotomy of a man who is both scoundrel and saint, often at the same time. We learn of his deep competitive drive and his often self-destructive tendencies, such as his well-documented gambling habits. Yet, we also see the softer side of Mickelson through anecdotes of his random acts of kindness, from generous tips to heartwarming charitable efforts. These personal stories paint a complex picture of a man who is as giving as he is self-serving.

Mickelson’s career and public image have been defined by the contrast with his lifelong rival, Tiger Woods. Where Woods is robotic and reticent, Mickelson is affable and extroverted, an incorrigible showman. In their early years together on Tour, Mickelson lacked Tiger’s laser focus and discipline, yet as Tiger’s career has been curtailed by scandal, addiction, and a broken body, Phil sails on, still relevant on the golf course and in the marketplace.

Shipnuck also adds layers to the narrative by shedding light on significant, less-publicised aspects of Mickelson’s career. Readers are taken behind closed doors to understand the true scale of his gambling losses, and the intricacies of the Saudi golf league that Mickelson championed. These revelations are sure to surprise even the most ardent Mickelson fans.

Phil is the perfect marriage of subject and author. Shipnuck delivers numerous revelations, from the true scale of Mickelson’s massive gambling losses to the secretive backstory of the Saudi golf league that Mickelson championed. But Phil also celebrates Mickelson’s random acts of kindness and generosity of spirit, to which friends and strangers alike can attest. Shipnuck has covered Mickelson for his entire career, allowing him to take readers inside the ropes with a thrilling immediacy and intimacy. The result is the juiciest and liveliest golf book in years - full of heart, humour, and unexpected turns.